2002 Acura TL TLS from North America - Comments

6th Nov 2007, 22:18

I have a 2003 TL Type S with 80,900 miles and quickly realized yesterday when the engine light, VSA sign and the triangle symbol came on, that I had a problem.

Taking it to my mechanic today, I was told to contact the dealer for a recall on the transmission. He pulled the code P0740 torque converter clutch solenoid circuit on a diagnostic test. I called the dealer where I bought it and have had the service done. They said they would need it a half day or more to do a diagnostic test; like they had never had a situation like this.

Next available opening is this Thursday, and I am hoping that it will be as simple as they admitting it is the transmission and will replace it and extend the warranty.

I am "comforted" that I am not alone in dealing with transmission problems. I had no clue there was a problem with Honda/ Acura transmissions until yesterday.

13th Nov 2007, 08:35

I am one the same boat. I just received the P0740 code this morning and I'm awaiting word from the dealership. Please keep me updated with your situation and I will let you know what happens on my end. Thanks!

My car is a 2003 Acura 3.2 TL with only 58,000 miles. I bought it used from the dealership 16 month ago at 42,000 miles. Needless to say I am quite dissatisfied.

15th Nov 2007, 13:37

A semi-solution (or at least worth a shot) to having your transmission replaced...

I contacted Acura Client Services. The person I talked to was able to see on his computer screen every oil change and service I have done on my '02 TL-S. He also sees that I am on my third transmission. I have never had to pay a dime, and driving a loner car for a week, complimentary, takes some of the pain out of the situation.

I am however... reaching the 109k mile limit. The person I spoke with said that they have some kind of a "goodwill assistance" program. They will cover the transmission, if I cover the labor. - Something like that.

That is very nice. I love my TL... I really do... but I will never buy (whether or not a problem like this ever comes up again) an Acura with an automatic transmission ever again.

So call Acura Client Services. See if they can help you if your warranty is expired. BE NICE THOUGH! You will get better service if you are kind. The number is (800) 382-2238. (you can also find this number under "Customer Service" at www.acura.com)

19th Nov 2007, 16:24

2003 Acura TL transmission has failed. Dealer and Acura customer service claim repair is out of warranty range. All typical signs mentioned in previous comments have happened, 2nd and 3rd gear slipping, TCS and D5 light flashing. The cut off VIN number must be incorrect, early 2003 models can fail too. Hoping to receive good will and reliable warranty repair. Never had a problem to date on this car until this. We should all discuss what should be done as a team to resolve this issue.

20th Nov 2007, 01:16

Ah heck. I was driving home from work tonight, and my car started doing that gear slippage and revving issue that so many people have posted about.

Thanks to everyone who mentioned the settlement website, as I found that my 2002 Acura TL with 88,000 miles on it is eligible for the warranty repair. I know the car was originally purchased in late 2001 thanks to the Carfax report, and will be contacting one of the local dealerships here in Phoenix to get this resolved as soon as possible.

The funny thing is I love this car - I've only had one thing go wrong with it previously since I bought it in 2004, and that was a mere battery issue; since my circumstances have changed recently, I can't afford to just take a loss on this car and sell it.

One question though - on these free warranty replacements, are people getting charged labor, or is it really completely and utterly free of charge?

25th Nov 2007, 21:58

I have a 2001 TL. I bought it off a lease with 58,000 miles. The transmission was replaced by the dealer at 53,000 miles under warranty. I have 107,000 miles on it now and the tranny went out. I contacted Acura and they said the other transmission had 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty. I took it to my mechanic and he talked to his transmission specialist who specializes in Acuras and Hondas. He told me the best thing is to try and find a low mileage used transmission and put that in over a rebuild from Acura since the rebuilds are poor. The other recommendation was to sell it after it was fixed since the best he has seen out of the transmissions is about 50K miles. I am like most others on this, love the car, but am looking at something else at this point. My old car, a 1997 maxima has 250K and the original transmission and is going great. I guess I will be looking at an Infiniti or Nissan.

26th Nov 2007, 21:52

To the person with the 01 TL and 107k miles. Your car should still be under warranty. The current warranty under the Honda Transmission Settlement site is 7 years 9 months or 109k miles. Your car should still qualify under both counts. Acura should cover your replacement tranny. Personally, I'd drive it for about 10k miles after fixing it, and then sell.

6th Dec 2007, 10:09

"Transmissions replaced prior to March 2005 usually fail again. Transmissions replaced 3/2005 and later include a redesigned third gear clutch pack reported to fix the problem."

Did you read this somewhere or were you told this by someone? My trans was replaced in 1/06 and I've gone at least 25k miles with no problems - I've been holding my breath, but this gives me hope. Please let me know where you found this. Thanks!

20th Dec 2007, 11:54

Call your acura dealer and explain your issue. My wife just passed 109k and her second transmission failed. First one was covered under warranty. Sure enough this one will be covered as well, parts and labor so no out of pocket expenses for us. Dealar told me they got a bad batch of transmissions in the last couple years. Ours was replaced at 90k and just failed at 109700. Either way it is all free. Call them and be nice, sometimes that is all it takes.